Best Chinese Restaurants in Phuket 2026: Top Places to Eat & Local Guide

Phuket is not only famous for beaches and island hopping, it is also one of Thailand’s best destinations for authentic and diverse Chinese cuisine. Thanks to strong Sino-Thai heritage, the island offers everything from heritage noodle shops and dim sum houses to modern fine dining venues serving premium seafood and Peking duck.

If you are searching for the best Chinese restaurants in Phuket, wondering where to eat Chinese food in Phuket, or looking for authentic Chinese food Phuket locals recommend, this guide covers top restaurants by area, must-try dishes, price ranges, and insider tips for 2026.

Why Phuket is a Great Place for Chinese Cuisine

Historical & Cultural Background

Phuket’s Chinese food scene is deeply rooted in history. During the 19th century tin mining boom, Chinese migrants settled in Phuket and brought culinary traditions that blended with Southern Thai flavors. Over generations, this created a distinct Sino-Thai food culture that remains visible today in Phuket Town and Old Town.

Many family-run restaurants continue serving recipes passed down for decades, making Phuket one of the most interesting places in Thailand to explore Chinese dining.

What Makes Phuket’s Chinese Restaurants Special

Fresh seafood influence

Phuket’s coastal location means Chinese restaurants often feature premium seafood such as crab, lobster, prawns, and fish prepared Cantonese-style.

Fusion with Thai flavors

Expect subtle Thai influences in sauces, spices, and seafood preparation, creating a unique island-style Chinese cuisine.

Family-run eateries

Some of the most authentic Chinese food in Phuket comes from long-standing local restaurants rather than luxury hotels.

Top Chinese Restaurants in Phuket By Area

Below are some of the top Chinese restaurants Phuket visitors and locals recommend in 2026.

Best Chinese Restaurants in Phuket Old Town

Phuket Old Town is the heart of the island’s Sino-Thai heritage, making it the best place to find authentic Chinese food in Phuket. From historic mansions turned restaurants to humble noodle shops, this area offers some of the top Chinese restaurants Phuket visitors consistently recommend.

1. Tu Kab Khao

Known for: Thai-Chinese seafood, braised pork belly, crab dishes
Atmosphere: Heritage-style dining in a restored Sino-Portuguese building
Price: Mid-range
Best for: Families and cultural dining experiences

Tu Kab Khao blends traditional Phuket Chinese cuisine with Southern Thai flavors. Signature dishes include slow-braised pork belly, stir-fried local seafood, and rich curries influenced by Chinese cooking techniques. The elegant colonial interior and central Old Town location make it ideal for visitors exploring where to eat Chinese food Phuket style in a historic setting.

2. Raya Restaurant

Known for: Crab curry, stir-fried seafood, classic Phuket Chinese-Thai dishes
Atmosphere: Historic mansion with traditional décor
Price: Mid to high
Best for: Visitors seeking authentic Phuket flavors

Raya is one of the most famous restaurants in Phuket Town and a top choice for authentic Chinese food Phuket travelers look for. Housed in a beautifully preserved mansion, Raya serves heritage recipes that reflect Phuket’s Chinese migration history. Their crab dishes and seafood stir-fries are especially popular during festive seasons like Chinese New Year.

3. Hong Khao Tom Pla

Known for: Chinese-style rice soup, seafood dishes
Atmosphere: Casual local eatery
Price: Affordable
Best for: Authentic comfort food

Hong Khao Tom Pla is a local favorite known for comforting rice soup served with fresh seafood. The menu highlights simple but flavorful Chinese-style cooking, making it a great option for budget-friendly Chinese dining Phuket locals enjoy regularly. It’s ideal for casual dinners after exploring Old Town.

Best Chinese Restaurants in Patong Beach Area

Patong offers more tourist-oriented Chinese dining Phuket options, combining Cantonese classics with fresh island seafood. If you are staying near the beach and searching for top Chinese restaurants Phuket visitors can access easily, these are solid choices.

4. Baan Rim Pa (Chinese-Inspired Seasonal Menu)

Known for: Premium seafood prepared with Chinese techniques
Atmosphere: Upscale beachfront dining
Price: High
Best for: Romantic dinners

While primarily known for Thai cuisine, Baan Rim Pa occasionally features Chinese-influenced seafood specials. The dramatic cliffside location overlooking Patong Bay makes it a strong option for special occasions, especially for couples seeking refined Chinese dining Phuket experiences near the beach.

5. The Royal Kitchen – Chinese & Western Cuisine (Patong)

Known for: Cantonese classics, dim sum, roast duck
Atmosphere: Casual indoor dining
Price: Mid-range
Best for: Tourists staying in Patong

Royal Kitchen is a long-standing Cantonese restaurant in Patong offering dim sum, Peking duck, and seafood dishes. It’s one of the more reliable choices for Chinese food Phuket visitors seek when staying in the Patong area.

6. Savoey Seafood

Known for: Fresh seafood cooked Chinese-style
Atmosphere: Lively and spacious
Price: Mid-range
Best for: Groups and seafood lovers

Savoey is popular for its fresh seafood prepared using Chinese cooking methods such as steaming with soy sauce or stir-frying with garlic. Large tables and generous portions make it suitable for group dining.

Best Chinese Restaurants in Central Phuket / Phuket Town

Beyond Old Town, central Phuket Town offers additional Chinese restaurant Phuket options that cater to both locals and visitors.

7. China Inn Café & Restaurant

Known for: Traditional Chinese dishes in a Sino-Portuguese setting
Atmosphere: Charming heritage décor
Price: Mid-range
Best for: Cultural dining

China Inn is located inside a beautifully restored heritage building. The restaurant serves traditional Chinese dishes with classic flavors. It’s a great stop for those exploring top Chinese restaurants Phuket Old Town style.

8. Ketu Dim Sum

Known for: Authentic dim sum breakfast
Atmosphere: Casual local
Price: Budget
Best for: Morning dining

Ketu Dim Sum is popular among locals for fresh dim sum served early in the morning. If you are looking for affordable Chinese food Phuket residents enjoy daily, this is a reliable option.

9. Jui Tui Shrine Area Local Eateries

Known for: Chinese noodles, roast meats
Atmosphere: Traditional and local
Price: Budget to mid-range
Best for: Authentic Chinese food Phuket locals recommend

Around Jui Tui Shrine, several small eateries serve roast pork, noodles, and simple Chinese comfort dishes. These places offer some of the most authentic Chinese dining Phuket has to offer, especially during festival periods.

Best Chinese Restaurants Near the Beaches

Travelers staying outside Phuket Town can still find excellent Chinese dining Phuket options near major beaches.

10. Silk Restaurant (Andara Resort, Kamala)

Known for: Luxury Asian cuisine including refined Chinese dishes
Atmosphere: Fine dining with elegant interiors
Price: High
Best for: Special occasions and anniversaries

Silk Restaurant offers premium Asian cuisine, including Chinese-inspired seafood and banquet-style dishes. It is ideal for those seeking upscale Chinese dining Phuket experiences near Kamala Beach.

11. White Box (Chinese Seafood Influence)

Known for: Fusion seafood dishes
Atmosphere: Beachfront elegance
Price: High
Best for: Couples

White Box combines Mediterranean and Asian influences, occasionally featuring Chinese-style seafood preparations. The romantic beachfront setting makes it suitable for date nights.

12. Local Seafood Restaurants (Rawai & Chalong)

Known for: Fresh seafood prepared Cantonese-style
Atmosphere: Casual seaside dining
Price: Mid-range
Best for: Seafood lovers

In Rawai and Chalong, many seafood restaurants prepare fresh catches using Chinese cooking techniques such as steaming fish with soy sauce and ginger or stir-frying crab with garlic. These locations are excellent for visitors seeking authentic Chinese food Phuket island-style with ocean views.

Must-Try Dishes at Chinese Restaurants in Phuket

If you want to truly experience the best Chinese food in Phuket, knowing which dishes to order and where to find the best versions makes a big difference. From dim sum breakfasts to seafood banquets, here’s what to try and the restaurants that do them best.

1. Dim Sum

Dim sum is one of the most popular Chinese food experiences in Phuket, especially in Phuket Town where many locals enjoy it for breakfast or brunch.

What to order:

• Steamed shrimp dumplings (har gow)
• Pork siu mai
• BBQ pork buns
• Custard buns

Best places for dim sum in Phuket:

• Ketu Dim Sum (Phuket Town) – One of the most authentic and affordable morning dim sum spots. Expect fresh handmade dumplings and a lively local atmosphere.
• Royal Kitchen (Patong) – Good option for visitors staying near the beach who want Cantonese-style dim sum.
• China Inn Café (Phuket Town) – Offers a more relaxed heritage setting for enjoying classic dim sum.

If you are searching for authentic Chinese food Phuket locals enjoy, dim sum in Phuket Town is a must-try.

2. Peking Duck

Peking duck is a signature Cantonese dish known for its crispy skin and tender meat served with thin pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce. It’s often pre-ordered in higher-end restaurants.

Best places for Peking duck in Phuket:

• Royal Kitchen (Patong) – One of the most reliable places for classic Peking duck in Phuket.
• Silk Restaurant (Kamala) – Offers a refined, luxury-style version ideal for special occasions.
• Selected resort restaurants in Laguna & Kamala areas – Often feature premium duck as part of seasonal Chinese menus.

This dish is perfect for group dining and celebratory meals.

3. Roast Pork & Char Siu

Crispy pork belly (moo krob) and char siu (barbecue pork) are staples of Chinese dining Phuket visitors will see in both street stalls and heritage restaurants.

Best places for roast pork & char siu:

• Hong Khao Tom Pla (Phuket Town) – Known for comforting rice dishes topped with roast pork.
• Jui Tui Shrine area eateries – Several small shops specialize in traditional roast meats.
• Raya Restaurant – Offers higher-quality Chinese-Thai pork dishes in a heritage setting.

Crispy pork belly is especially popular during festival seasons like Chinese New Year.

Seafood Specialties

Thanks to Phuket’s coastal location, seafood is one of the highlights of Chinese dining Phuket style. Cantonese techniques such as steaming fish with soy sauce and stir-frying crab with garlic are common.

Must-try seafood dishes:

• Stir-fried crab with garlic
• Steamed whole fish with soy sauce and ginger
• Lobster Cantonese-style

Best places for Chinese-style seafood:

• Tu Kab Khao (Old Town) – Known for seafood dishes with Chinese cooking influence.
• Savoey Seafood (Patong) – Excellent for fresh seafood prepared Chinese-style in a lively atmosphere.
• Rawai & Chalong seafood restaurants – Many offer Cantonese-style preparation with fresh daily catch.

For seafood lovers, these restaurants represent some of the top Chinese restaurants Phuket has to offer.

4. Soups & Hotpots

Chinese soups and hotpots are perfect for group dining and cooler evenings.

Popular options:

• Chinese herbal chicken soup
• Seafood hotpot
• Clear pork rib soup

Best places to try:

• Royal Kitchen (Patong) – Offers classic Cantonese soups and hotpot options.
• Hong Khao Tom Pla – Known for comforting rice soup variations.
• Local Phuket Town Chinese restaurants – Often serve traditional herbal soups during festival periods.

Hotpot is ideal for family-style meals and shared dining.

5. Stir-Fried Noodles & Rice

Phuket’s strong Sino-Thai heritage is reflected in its noodle and rice dishes.

Popular dishes:

• Hokkien noodles
• Soy sauce stir-fried noodles
• Chinese-style fried rice with seafood

Best places for noodles & rice:

• China Inn Café – Offers classic stir-fried Chinese dishes in a charming setting.
• Local Old Town noodle shops – Around Jui Tui Shrine for authentic flavors.
• Hong Khao Tom Pla – Simple but flavorful rice-based comfort dishes.

Hokkien noodles, in particular, are a signature of Phuket’s Chinese food culture.

Where to Find Authentic vs Modern Chinese Cuisine in Phuket

Phuket’s Chinese food scene is diverse, ranging from old-school family-run eateries to contemporary, chef-driven restaurants in luxury resorts. Whether you’re searching for authentic Chinese food Phuket locals eat daily or a refined modern dining experience, understanding the difference helps you choose the right place.

1. Authentic Traditional Chinese Restaurants

If your goal is to experience traditional flavors and heritage recipes, head to Phuket Old Town and the areas surrounding local markets and Chinese shrines. These restaurants reflect the island’s Sino-Thai roots and often serve dishes that have remained unchanged for generations.

What to expect:

• Classic Cantonese and Hokkien-style dishes
• Roast pork, noodles, rice soup, and seafood prepared simply
• Family-style sharing portions
• Casual dining atmosphere
• Mostly local Thai-Chinese customers

Where to go:

• Tu Kab Khao (Old Town) – Combines heritage atmosphere with traditional Chinese-Thai recipes.
• Raya Restaurant (Old Town) – Known for authentic Phuket-style Chinese dishes in a historic mansion.
• Hong Khao Tom Pla – A local favorite for rice soup and seafood comfort food.
• Eateries around Jui Tui Shrine – Great for roast meats and simple noodle dishes.

These places represent some of the most authentic Chinese food Phuket has to offer. They may not have flashy interiors, but the flavors are rich, time-tested, and deeply rooted in local culture.

Traditional restaurants are ideal for:

• Cultural food exploration
• Family meals
• Budget-friendly dining
• Trying classic Sino-Thai recipes

2. Modern / Fusion Chinese Dining

For a more contemporary take on Chinese cuisine, Phuket also offers modern restaurants that reinterpret traditional dishes with premium ingredients and creative presentation. These venues are often located in upscale hotels or beachfront resorts.

What to expect:

• Refined plating and stylish interiors
• Curated wine lists and cocktail pairings
• Premium seafood and imported ingredients
• Elevated service standards
• Higher price range

Where to go:

• Silk Restaurant (Andara Resort, Kamala) – Offers luxury Asian cuisine with refined Chinese influences.
• High-end resort restaurants in Laguna, Kamala, and Surin Beach – Many offer seasonal Chinese tasting menus.
• Selected upscale venues in Patong and central Phuket featuring contemporary Cantonese dishes.

Modern Chinese dining Phuket experiences are ideal for:

• Romantic dinners
• Anniversary celebrations
• Business meals
• Special occasions

These restaurants may not feel traditionally Chinese, but they often deliver excellent quality and presentation, appealing to travelers looking for fine dining experiences.

How to Choose between Authentic vs Modern Chinese Cuisine?

• Choose authentic traditional restaurants if you want heritage flavors, cultural immersion, and local dining atmosphere.
• Choose modern Chinese restaurants if you prefer refined ambiance, creative presentation, and a special-occasion experience.

Many visitors combine both styles during their trip to Phuket, enjoying dim sum and roast pork in Old Town during the day, then dining at a beachfront fine dining venue in the evening.

Exploring both authentic and modern Chinese dining Phuket options gives you a complete taste of the island’s rich culinary heritage and evolving food scene.

Chinese Restaurant Reviews & Ratings

When researching the best Chinese restaurants in Phuket, online reviews can provide helpful insight into food quality, service standards, and overall dining experience. Platforms such as Google Reviews and Tripadvisor often reflect consistent patterns in customer feedback.

1. What Diners Commonly Praise

Fresh seafood quality

Many positive Chinese restaurant Phuket reviews highlight the freshness of seafood. Because Phuket is surrounded by ocean, steamed fish, crab, prawns, and lobster are frequently praised for their flavor and texture, especially at seafood-focused venues in Old Town and Rawai.

Generous portions

Traditional Chinese dining emphasizes sharing. Visitors often note that portion sizes are suitable for group dining, making these restaurants good value for families and groups.

Authentic flavors

Restaurants in Phuket Old Town and around Jui Tui Shrine are often commended for preserving authentic Chinese and Sino-Thai recipes. Roast pork, dim sum, and stir-fried noodles frequently receive high ratings for traditional taste.

Friendly and welcoming service

Many family-run Chinese eateries are praised for warm hospitality. Staff are often helpful in recommending dishes, especially when diners are unsure what to order.

2. Common Complaints to Watch For

Crowded peak hours

Popular Chinese dining Phuket spots, particularly in Old Town and Patong, can become very busy between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Long waiting times are common during high season and festival periods.

Limited parking

Phuket Town and Old Town have limited parking spaces. Some negative reviews mention difficulty finding parking near popular restaurants.

Inconsistent service during peak season

During holidays and busy tourist months, service quality may slow down due to high customer volume. This is especially true in casual local eateries.

To avoid disappointment, checking recent Google and Tripadvisor ratings before visiting is recommended, particularly during high season or major festivals such as Chinese New Year.

How to Choose the Best Chinese Restaurant in Phuket

With so many options available, selecting the right Chinese restaurant Phuket visitors will enjoy depends on a few practical considerations.

1. Look for busy local restaurants

A steady stream of local customers often indicates quality and freshness. Restaurants filled with Thai-Chinese families are usually a good sign of authenticity.

2. Consider dining time

Lunch hours tend to be quieter and more relaxed compared to dinner. If you prefer a calm atmosphere, consider dining between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM.

3. Make reservations during peak periods

Reservations are strongly recommended during Chinese New Year, December to February high season, and weekend evenings. Popular restaurants in Old Town can fill up quickly.

4. Choose convenient locations

Selecting restaurants near your accommodation helps reduce travel time and avoid heavy traffic, especially if you are staying in Patong, Kamala, or Phuket Town.

Balancing location, atmosphere, and cuisine style will help you find the best Chinese dining Phuket experience for your trip.

Budget Friendly vs Fine Dining Options

Phuket offers Chinese dining experiences at every price level, from affordable street food to luxury resort restaurants.

Best Budget Chinese Eateries

If you are searching for cheap Chinese food Phuket travelers can enjoy, head to:

• Local dim sum shops in Phuket Town
• Casual noodle houses around Jui Tui Shrine
• Night market food stalls
• Small family-run eateries in Old Town

These places focus on traditional flavors rather than décor, offering authentic Chinese food Phuket locals enjoy at reasonable prices. Dishes such as dim sum, roast pork rice, and noodle soups are both affordable and satisfying.

Budget dining is ideal for:

• Solo travelers
• Backpackers
• Casual lunches
• Food exploration tours

Best Fine Dining Chinese Restaurants

For upscale Chinese dining Phuket visitors can enjoy for special occasions, consider:

• Resort-based Chinese restaurants in Kamala and Laguna
• Upscale seafood venues in Patong
• Private dining rooms in heritage Old Town restaurants

These venues offer refined presentation, premium ingredients, and attentive service. Many provide curated menus featuring Peking duck, lobster, and high-quality seafood dishes.

Fine dining Chinese restaurants are ideal for:

• Anniversaries
• Romantic dinners
• Business meals
• Family celebrations

Whether you prefer authentic local eateries or elegant fine dining experiences, Phuket’s Chinese restaurant scene offers a wide range of options. Exploring both budget-friendly and premium venues gives you a complete taste of the island’s rich Chinese culinary heritage.

Plan your visit around Chinese New Year in Phuket to experience the island’s vibrant Sino-Thai heritage at its peak, then make your Phuket trip truly unforgettable by exploring the beauty of Kamala Beach, the charm of Karon Beach, vibrant Patong Beach experiences, must-try things to do in Karon Beach, and smart planning tips in our best time to visit Phuket guide, before completing your journey with the festive excitement of Songkran in Phuket on your next adventure.

FAQs of Best Chinese Restaurants in Phuket